Planned Parenthood to back Ohio Democrats in 2014

Democrats intend intention to make women's health issues a campaign theme as they seek to unseat Gov. John Kasich.

The Associated Press

Ohio Democrats are rolling out their full statewide ticket at an endorsement event hosted by abortion and women's health care provider Planned Parenthood.

Wednesday's event in Columbus signals the party's intention to make women's health issues a campaign theme as they seek to unseat Gov. John Kasich and the state's other Republican elected officials this fall.

Their slate includes gubernatorial contender Ed FitzGerald, the Cuyahoga County executive, and running mate Sharen Neuhardt; David Pepper for attorney general; state Sen. Nina Turner for secretary of state; state Rep. John Patrick Carney for state auditor; and state Rep. Connie Pillich for state treasurer.

Ohio Right to Life, the state's leading anti-abortion group, criticizes FitzGerald's pick of a running mate who favors abortion rights as an effort to fire up extremists.